OrionKhan

I got to drive a 300 today. The regular Hemi version. Very nice ride. The suspension was a little soft compared to the S4, but its a different animal. Its almost to fancy for me. But I was impressed. I have to admit that I've been torn about selling my S4 for a more practical car. We have a 10 month old son and my wife is due with our second son in 2 weeks. She's been hounding me about the S4. And I'm running out of BS. The SRT-8 versions of the Magnum, Charger, and now 300C have definitely caught my attention.

Nicole

I have a rental Chrysler 300 Touring with a 250hp V6 right now - black metallic with chrome wheels, grey leather, DVD, and all kinds of unnecessary toys - but it doen't seem to have side air bags, ESP, or any of these other modern safety items.

Here is what I like (in no particular order):
- very quiet inside
- prettty good cornering
- the interior/exterior design gives me a feeling of sitting in a safe vehicle
- great entertainment system
- big trunk
- solid feel - no rattles
- smooth engine and transmission - the transmission seems to shift a lot, but everything goes quite smooth.
- Love that electrically dimming rear view mirror!
- great cup holders and large storage bin between the front seats

Here is what I don't like or find strange:
- steering has way too much power assist - takes a lot of getting used to
- when accelerating from a stop, the car leaps forward like crazy, only to disappoint later. I wonder how anyone could drive safely like this on a slippery surface (rain, ice, snow,...)
- ride is somewhat bumpy and bouncy for a car that size - acceptable, but not even close to the ride comfort of a "real" Mercedes
- I'm staring at some archaeic looking window washer nozzles on top of the hood. Even my ol' 928 has more modern looking ones...
- In the interior you can see that they were trying to cut cost wherever possible. The leather seats have fabric wherever you don't see immediately, the silver trim pieces are clear plastic with silver paint behind them, the sewing of the leather around the steering wheel is poorly done, and there are many different materials used in that interior (they might look the same, but feel different to the touch)
- The shifter is way too far back for a small person. It's OK, if you let it shift automatically, but not practical for using the manual functions
- rear AC vents cannot be closed tight - they let air pass whenever air is directed through the center vents.
- I'm still confused by the power locks - they do so many things on their own, and can automatically lock the car with the keys inside.
- Chrome door handles are plastic. Wonder how long those would last... Combined with the chrome mirror housings and rims, it looks a bit too pimpy for my tastes.
- Are there really no side airbags and no ESP??? Can't believe this...

I hear these are only about $30k. For that price, I would say they are a great value. It's definitely the best made American car I have ever driven. Too big for my needs, but if I'd get one, it would likely be the sister wagon from Dodge.

Sab

Probably mid to high twelves. But that is without the adjustment they give the numbers published in the tests.

OrionKhan

I totally agree about that power assisted steering. I really took some getting used to. It was like you steer the thing with one finger.

NickT

Other way around wasn't it?

DANdeMAN

Looks like a fat & lazy tank to me
Can't believe companys are still making gasguzling monsters like that.
It weight what, 2 ton! It takes alot of power to move that thing the way everyone is saying it is!
To each is own...not my cup of tea.

OrionKhan

More like a fast tank. But that's comparing it to a sports car. The 300C isn't designed around competing against pure sports cars. The original poster bought it to replace a Suburban. Now that's a fat & lazy tank. The SRT-8 motor is putting out a published 425 hp. Even if that's exaggerated or crank power, that's a load....

Abby Normal

Maybe so. Either way, the improvements came from the Mercedes.

Jim Nowak

The SRT-8 does not have the MDS system as I thought. The base 340 hp V8 Hemi on the 300C does have MDS.

Yep, big time. Mercedes purchasing Chrysler has really helped Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep. The 300C platform rides on a Mercedes suspension and uses the 5 speed from the E class.

BC

And the relentless push of technology again shows us we are standing still (except for boost) in the 928.

Handling though, should be solved by getting some good parts under your 89 when its done. Seriously think about new bushings, shocks, springs, sways, if you are comparing the two and not seeing much of a difference.

Loaded

Well its a very fine ride and makes most modern sports cars look like slugs. 425 hp? Many are putting more on the ground then that again another hemi that is underated.

Handling is spot on for a luxo sport liner. If i want tight *** steering with road feel I jump in to my 928 porsche and feel all I want.

If I want to go fast I jump n to my srt-8

Nicole

Actually, as I got more used to the steering, I did push it a little in the sweepers, and was surprised how neutral it handles. I'd say my 928 understeers more... Yes, it's darn large - too large for me. I don't think it would even fit into my garage.

If this 300 with the basic Hemi really sells for $30k, I'd say this is a great value. It's not the same as a BMW, Audi, Mercedes, or Lexus, but it's a roomy car that drives well and doesn't seem to guzzle all that much.

We had a low tire pressure warning yesterday in the mountains. Nifty system, I must say.

Overall, I must say that it's great fun and rather stress free to travel with this car. By direct comparison, the 928 is harsh, loud, and a wee bit nervous.

Maybe they should build a smaller car in the same quality - maybe even a small wagon - and less ugly than the Charger...

bcdavis

I ended up swapping out my 928 and 4-Runner for a Magnum about a year ago... It really is a blend of both cars. The functionality of an SUV, but with the power of the 928. The only areas it gives up as compromises, are handling and styling. The 928 is a much prettier car, and handles better. But the Magnum is a great "all-around" car.







Adding stiffer springs and sway bars really helps the handling.
It's still heavy, but handles pretty well with stiffer bars.

Notice my tribute to my old 928 phone dials?

Loaded

Nice ride! dAMN!

bcdavis

Now that I have paid off the Magnum, I may look into the 928 hobby again...